Facilitated Versus Nonfacilitated Case Discussions: Comparing Differences in Problem Space Coverage

• In Event: 72.066 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 72.066-3 - Instructional Technology SIG Poster Session

Abstract

The facilitator plays a key role in guiding students’ efforts during case discussions. However, few have compared learning outcomes when facilitation levels vary. In this research, we used “problem space coverage” as a learning measure to compare outcomes between facilitated vs. non-facilitated (NF) case discussions. In general, results demonstrated greater problem space coverage during facilitated discussions, although the results from one NF case discussion suggest that students could potentially address the afforded problem space, even without instructor facilitation. However, variation among NF discussions suggests that problem space coverage is not guaranteed, depending more on the specific makeup of the participating students.

Authors

• Peggy A. Ertmer, Purdue University

• Adrie A Koehler, Purdue University